Mucho Gusto® Abelia

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Give this shrub at least six hours of direct sun daily for the best flowering and foliage color. It tolerates partial shade but expect fewer blooms and less compact growth in shadier spots.
Soil: Plant in moist, well-drained soil. Abelia adapts to clay, loam, or sandy soils as long as drainage is adequate. For heavy clay, amend with coarse sand or compost to prevent waterlogging. Slightly acidic soil produces the healthiest plants.

Watering Requirements

Water deeply once or twice weekly during the first two growing seasons to establish a strong root system. Once mature, Mucho Gusto® Abelia is quite drought tolerant and only needs supplemental water during extended dry spells. Avoid overwatering, as soggy soil leads to root rot.

Pruning Tips

Prune in late winter to early spring before new growth emerges since flowers form on new wood. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches and shape as desired. To rejuvenate an older plant, cut up to one-third of the oldest canes to ground level every few years.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a slow-release fertilizer formulated for woody shrubs in early spring as new growth begins. A balanced 10-10-10 formula or tree and shrub food works well. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers in late summer, as this encourages tender growth that may be damaged by early frost.